Physical Activity during Pregnancy and Childhood Obesity: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background and Objectives: The repercussions of childhood overweight and obesity are multifaceted, extending beyond the realm of physiology and giving rise to psychological and emotional disturbances in affected children. The precise effects of gestational physical activity (PA) on parameters related to childhood overweight and obesity remain inadequately understood. The aim of this study (Registration CRD42022372490) was to evaluate the literature regarding the influence of PA during pregnancy on the risk of childhood overweight and obesity. Materials and Methods: Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were considered for inclusion. Determinant parameters of childhood obesity were analyzed. A total of 30 studies involving 16,137 pregnant women were examined. Five meta-analyses about the effects of PA during pregnancy on determinants of childhood overweight and obesity were conducted. Results: Although favorable trends were observed, Meta-Analyses showed no statistical differences in the effects of PA on weight at birth (Z = 0.03, p = 0.97), Ponderal Index at birth (Z = 0.64, p = 0.52), Macrosomia and Large for Gestational Age at birth (Z = 0.93, p = 0.35), children's BMI (Z = 0.78, p = 0.44), weight (Z = 0.50, p = 0.62), and skinfold thicknesses (Z = 0.45, p = 0.65). Conclusions: The engagement in physical activity during pregnancy exhibits a favorable trend in parameters associated with childhood overweight and obesity while presenting no adverse effects on such outcomes.

Influence of pelvic floor muscle training alone or as part of a general physical activity program during pregnancy on urinary incontinence, episiotomy and third- or fourth-degree perineal tear: Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.

INTRODUCTION: The complex process of pregnancy and childbirth significantly influences the well-being of both mother and child. Today all pregnant women without medical contraindications are recommended to start or continue regular aerobic and strength training for at least 150 min per week to prevent pregnancy-related diseases and conditions. Urinary incontinence in pregnancy, episiotomy and third- or fourth-degree perineal tear during labor can greatly impact womens' health, quality of life and ability to be physically active. The aim of this study was to examine the efficacy of pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) during pregnancy in the prevention of urinary incontinence, episiotomy, and third- or fourth-degree perineal tear. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis (CRD42022370600) was performed. Only randomized clinical trials published between 2010 and 2023 were included. The following databases were examined: EBSCO (including Academic Search Premier, Education Resources Information Center, MEDLINE, SPORTDiscus and OpenDissertations databases), Clinicaltrials.gov, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro). Three meta-analyses to investigate the effect of PFMT exclusively or implemented as a section within a physical activity program during pregnancy on urinary incontinence, episiotomy, and third- or fourth-degree perineal tear were conducted. RESULTS: Thirty studies were analyzed (N = 6691). An effective preventive action of PFMT was found for urinary incontinence (z = 3.46; p < 0.0005; relative risk [RR] = 0.72, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.59, 0.87, I2 = 59%) and third- or fourth-degree perineal tear (z = 2.89; p = 0.004; RR = 0.50, 95% CI: 0.31, 0.80, I2 = 48%) but not for episiotomy (z = 0.80; p = 0.42; RR = 0.95, 95% CI: 0.85, 1.07, I2 = 75%). CONCLUSIONS: PFMT during pregnancy proves to be an effective preventive intervention for reducing the risk of urinary incontinence and the occurrence of third- or fourth-degree perineal tears. These findings highlight the importance of incorporating PFMT into antenatal care and training programs to improve maternal well-being and overall childbirth outcomes.

The Influence of Physical Activity during Pregnancy on Maternal Pain and Discomfort: A Meta-Analysis.

Pregnant women may experience pain and discomfort during pregnancy, especially in areas such as the lower back and pelvic girdle. Pain in pregnancy is associated with poor quality of life, and because it is a common occurrence, pregnant women may be offered several resources to prevent discomforts throughout pregnancy, such as engaging in physical activity. This study was a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials (prospectively registered in Prospero, registration number: CRD42023451320) aimed to assess the effects of physical activity during pregnancy on maternal pain and discomfort. We analysed 16 randomised clinical trials. The results of these analyses indicate that women who performed physical activity had significantly less intensity of pain (z = <2.69, p = <0.007; SMD = -0.66, 95% CI = -1.13, -0.18, I2 = <91%, Pheterogeneity = <0.001) and a reduction observed in the disability questionnaire (z = <2.37, p = <0.02; SMD = -0.80, 95% CI = -1.47, -0.14, I2 = <91%, Pheterogeneity = <0.001), and overall reduced general pain (z = <3.87, p = <0.001; SMD = -0.56, 95% CI = -0.84, -0.27, I2 = <86%, Pheterogeneity = <0.001) than women who did not practice physical activity during pregnancy. In conclusion, physical activity during pregnancy could effectively help to diminish pain intensity, reduce disability due to pain, and generally reduce pain.

Impact of Physical Activity Interventions on High-Risk Pregnancies: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Pregnant women with absolute contraindications may be advised against physical activity throughout pregnancy. In this context, bed rest elevates the short-term risk of neonatal complications, thereby exacerbating negative long-term effects on childhood development. The aim of the current study was to investigate the impact of various physical activity interventions during bed rest or activity restriction in pregnancy on factors such as birth weight, preterm birth, maternal hypertension, gestational age at delivery, and the incidence of cesarean sections. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, a systematic review was designed. The protocol was registered in the International Prospective Registry of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) (CRD42022370875). Nine studies, with a total sample of 3173 women, from six countries on four continents were included. There were significant differences in the relationship between bed rest status and birth weight (Z = 2.64; p = 0.008) (MD = 142.57, 95% CI = 36.56, 248.58, I2 = 0%, Pheterogeneity = 0.45) favourable to active groups. No significant differences were found in other analyzed outcomes. Pregnant women who experience this problem must maintain a minimum of daily activity to alleviate these physiological complications and the medical field must understand the consequences of physical inactivity during pregnancy.

Influence of Physical Activity during Pregnancy on Maternal Hypertensive Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Gestational hypertension is a notable concern with ramifications for maternal and fetal health. Preemptive measures, including physical activity (PA), are crucial. There is a pressing need for comprehensive investigations into the impact of various forms of PA on hypertensive disorders. A systematic review and meta-analysis (CRD42022372468) following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines was performed. Our review exclusively considered randomized clinical trials (RCTs) between 2010 and 2023, using the following databases: EBSCO, including Academic Search Premier, Education Resources Information Center, PubMed/MEDLINE, SPORTDiscus, and OpenDissertations; Clinicaltrials.gov; Web of Science; Scopus; the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews; and the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro). The primary outcome was hypertensive disorders occurring during pregnancy (14 studies). Diagnosed preeclampsia (15 studies) and blood pressure levels were also examined (17 studies). PA during pregnancy was significantly associated with a reduced risk of hypertensive disorders (RR = 0.44, 95% CI = 0.30, 0.66). The data also indicate a positive correlation between PA during pregnancy and both systolic (MD = -2.64, 95% CI = -4.79, -0.49) and diastolic (MD = -1.99, 95% CI = -3.68, -0.29) blood pressure levels. The relationship between PA and the incidence of diagnosed preeclampsia did not demonstrate a statistically significant association (RR = 0.81, 95% CI = 0.59, 1.11; p = 0.20). Random effects were used for all analyses. PA during pregnancy promises to improve maternal health by reducing the risk of gestational hypertension and positively affecting systolic and diastolic blood pressure.

Influence of Physical Activity during Pregnancy on Neonatal Complications: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Newborn hospitalisations after delivery are indicators of poor neonatal health with potential risks of future diseases for children. Interventions to promote a healthy environment have been used during pregnancy, with physical activity as a principal element. A systematic review and meta-analyses were performed to evaluate the effect of physical activity during pregnancy on neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admissions and Apgar 1 and 5 scores (Registration No.: CRD42022372493). Fifty studies (11,492 pregnant women) were included. There were significantly different rates of NICU admissions between groups (RR = 0.76, 95% CI = 0.62, 0.93; Z = 2.65, p = 0.008; I2 = 0%, and Pheterogeneity = 0.78), and significant differences in Apgar 1 (Z = 2.04; p = 0.04) (MD = 0.08, 95% CI = 0.00, 0.17, I2 = 65%, Pheterogeneity = 0.00001) and Apgar 5 (Z = 3.15; p = 0.002) (MD = 0.09, 95% CI = 0.04, 0.15, I2 = 80%, and Pheterogeneity = 0.00001), favouring intervention groups. Physical activity during pregnancy could help to reduce the risk of NICU admissions that are related to neonatal complications.